Super middleweight wrecking machine Osleys Iglesias can take a major step toward gaining a world title shot if he gets past Vladimir Shishkin on Sept. 4. at the Montreal Casino in Canada.

But if Iglesias (13-0, 12 KOs) scores a win against Shishkin (16-1, 10 KOs) in the IBF title eliminator, the Cuban crusher doesn’t envision undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez giving him a crack at the crown.

Alvarez, of course, has a tough task in front of him when he faces Terence Crawford on Sept. 13, and both Iglesias and the Mexican star would have to win their respective bouts in order for momentum to build toward a potential matchup.

“I have to think and stay positive that I could get the fight against Canelo,” Iglesias told The Ring. “But Canelo knows how to write and read, and he's smart enough to duck a fight. I have a feeling he's not going to fight me and vacate the title. I'm young and strong, and I don't think he wants that. I understand getting in the ring with me will be difficult. But I still respect him.”

Iglesias, The Ring’s No. 3-rated fighter at 168 pounds, has been surging as a contender to keep an eye on ever since he started fighting in Canada last year under promoter Camille Estephan’s Eye of the Tiger Management banner.

A convincing win against Shishkin could prove that Iglesias, a 27-year-old southpaw based in East Germany, is deserving to be on the shortlist to face Alvarez.

“This is the kind of opportunity that I have been working hard for throughout my entire career,” said Iglesias. “It's important for me to make my mark and establish my name as a champion. I'm not planning for it to be a tight fight. I plan to win decisively. I welcome the knockout if the opportunity is there. I'm also ready for a 12-round fight. I'm investing all of my confidence in my preparation.”

The Havana born and bred Iglesias settled in Germany over six years ago after completing a stellar amateur career in Cuba; he is trained by Georg Bramowski. With his fights lasting an average of three rounds, the aggressive power-punching Iglesias isn’t the prototype for your grandfather’s favorite Cuban boxer.

“Most of my professional technique has been developed in Germany,” said Iglesias. “I've been taught how to move my legs and be more of a finisher.”

Iglesias plans on making a mark at 168 pounds, but he also doesn’t want to stall his career too long waiting for an Alvarez lottery ticket.

“I’m open to move up to 175 pounds to fight David Benavidez, Dmitry Bivol, and Artur Beterbiev,” said Iglesias. “No problem, let's go.”